3 Workwear Resolutions You Should Commit to This Year

New year, new you, right? The return from the holidays signals an important shift—it’s mentally and physically the optimal time to change bad habits, reset priorities, and commit to new behaviors. This year, I’d propose we consider a few wardrobe resolutions in addition to the others (likely of greater gravitas!) on the list. When it comes to dressing for work in 2016, I challenge you to go outside your comfort zone and try something new. Fashion can be incredibly empowering; the right outfit may inspire you to stand up taller, speak more confidently, and be more bold and assertive in your day-to-day. May this year be your year! Cheers!

I love this printed dress from my collection. The pattern (which we call a “non-print print”) reads more like a texture than a floral. It’s a flattering shape, and the print can be easily toned down with black tights and a blazer, or highlighted with a color, like pink. It’s office-appropriate, but it easily transitions into something a bit dressier for dinner after work.

Florals have always been my favorite print, and this year, it’s also a big trend in the fashion industry. This delicate botanical print is grounded in black with bright pops of color. It’s sophisticated and easy to style with work pants or a slim pencil skirt.

There’s a great clash of pattern happening on this printed skirt—floral mixed with geometrics is so fun. This is the kind of piece that transcends seasons. Wear it now with tall boots and tights, and wear it later with open-toe sandals and a tank.

Printed pants are deceptively easy to wear. Whether you opt for something more classic, like a menswear-inspired plaid or herringbone, or you go a bit more daring with a floral-print silk pant, it’s easy to incorporate these pieces into your work wardrobe by matching them to tops in solid colors with clean silhouettes.

Great essentials will give you far more mileage than trendy pieces you’ll tire of quickly. The first must in a timeless wardrobe is a good pair of trousers. They’re easy to dress up or down, and the classic silhouette ensures you’ll wear them for years.

Thanks to air conditioning, you will wear a blazer year round. In fall, it serves as a jacket outside of the office; in winter, it’s a layering piece; and in spring and summer, you can keep it at your desk to slip into when your office is chilly or you need to elevate your outfit for an important presentation. Take the time to try on several styles to determine which fit and length is best for your body type.

A wool coat in a classic shape is another staple you’ll wear for years. If you buy right, you only have to buy once. Considering it’s been in the 60s in New York this December, I have a feeling most coats will go on sale early this year, making it a good time to get a great deal.

This bag has become an iconic piece in my collection—it’s truly the perfect bag for #WomenWhoWork. The clean silhouette features a plethora of interior pockets (both open and zip-top for added security), and now, even better, it comes with its own portable charger.

These Truffle pouches are a crowd favorite among my team. They come in many different sizes and colors, and make for the perfect system in a bag that doesn’t have enough storage for your everyday needs.

This set of notebooks comes in a rainbow of colors, so I can assign a different color for each category. Although I love technology, I still prefer to take handwritten notes. These little books are great to keep on hand for to-do lists and ideas on the go. (They also keep my children entertained, as they can each have one to doodle in at restaurants.)

Our Rio Tech Sleeve is tremendously versatile. I alternately use it as a clutch, a case for my iPad mini, and an insert to my handbag. It has credit card slots, a zip pouch for valuables, a pocket for your larger tech items, and an included rechargeable battery.

Any traveler will know that the right luggage makes all the difference. I discovered this Away suitcase when we profiled the brand’s founders on ivankatrump.com. It comes with an integrated TSA-approved lock, a removable laundry bag, a compression divider, and a built-in battery that will fully charge a device up to five times throughout a trip.